Weekly Roundup

Firstly, an apology on my part for the oversight in not including in last week's blog update, a mention of Phil and Steve K completing the Lionheart Sportive on Sunday.

Ride HQ for the 100 mile event was at the historic Longleat Estate, near Warminster. With an abundance of rolling hills, fantastic views and fast descents, plus the added thrill of riding close to the big cats, riders were assured of a challenging and memorable day.

Both recorded impressive averages considering the distance and elevation gained. Well done Phil and Steve K!

As always, I'm grateful to Peter C for his Knight Riders' data:

This was the warmest and driest Wednesday evening so far this year.

The riders who took part were me (Peter C), Tim H, Simon, Colin, James and Des D.

The course ridden can be seen here. 

The Folly Row Cafe, Kington St Michael

Saturday's very punctual start saw an excellent turnout of riders. We were delighted to be able to welcome Jonathan on his first ride with us. If he ever decides to become a member, we'll be even more delighted, as being 16 years old, he would lower the average age of our membership considerably. Anita also joined us, and with our ladies section being a little light, she would make a valuable addition too.

The team lineups were as follows:

Steady Group: Anita, Atherton, Mike G and Tim H.

Sporting Group: Andy Poolman, Colin, Des D, Jonathan, Lyndon, Peter C, Phil, Simon S, Steve K and me (Tim W).

Howard and Dave also reported for duty, and completed their own ride. 

I'd tweeted the Folly Row Cafe during the week to let them know we'd be calling and they'd thoughtfully reserved a long table for us. The cafe has a very fresh, clean feel about it. Descending on somewhere and hitting them with so many orders at once can throw a cafe into meltdown, but the Folly Row team coped admirably. Hot drinks and cake were sensibly priced. My pot of tea delivered 3 cups, and together with a large toasted teacake, set me back just £3.85.

By the time we'd finished our refreshments, the cafe had filled up, and so when the Steady Group arrived, we surrendered our tables and chairs.

Clarions relaxing in the garden at the Honeystreet Cafe

(click once to enlarge)

Six members set off Sunday morning for the fourth ride in the 2016 Sunday Series. Alphabetically they were Andy Poolman, Colin, Mike, Peter C, Phil and me (Tim W).

Although the morning and early afternoon were bathed in sunshine, there was an Arctic edge to a perky wind.

With the ascents of Clyffe Pypard and Hackpen Hill in the bag, we rode through Marlborough, up to Alton Barnes, and then down to the Honeystreet Cafe. Breakfast rolls filled with bacon and egg, or in my case, sausage and egg, were quickly dispatched, as were the scones ordered by the others. Colin Bowden-Hill's (more about which, later) came with jam and thick cream.

Boats tied up at Honeystreet on the Kennet and Avon Canal

Afterwards, our mini tour of Devizes villages, started with Chirton, and was then followed by Urchfont, Easterton, Market Lavington, Worton and Poulshot.

Keeping with the canal theme, a second stop for refreshments was made at the Caen Hill Locks Cafe. With the afternoon drifting away, we made short work of our hot drinks, and ticked off Rowde and Bromham, as our last Devizes villages of the day.

Colin's prowess at hill climbing had been well and truly noted on the trip. With Bowden Hill looming-large, the impending assault seemed to appeal to Colin. The name Colin Bowden-Hill was given birth during some lively banter. Whether or not it will stick, remains to be seen.

Another round of who can make up the best limerick involving a place name we've cycled through, was played out on our way to Bewley Common.This has become something of a Sunday Series tradition. An amusing last line can often prove very elusive. Phil came up with a corker, but you know the old saying, what happens on a cycle tour, stays on the tour!

In the absence of anything amusing or interesting to say about the rest of the ride, it simply remains for me to tell you that the next trip in the series will take place on the Spring bank holiday, on Monday 30th May 2016, when the distance will increase to something close to 85 miles. Departure will be at the (even) earlier time of 8.00am.

The leader board now reads as follows:

Rider	Number of Rides	Total Miles
Peter C	4	235.6
Phil	4	235.6
Andy Poolman	3	195.1
Tim W	3	195.1
Steve K	3	159.1
Tim H	2	104.9
Colin	1	76.5
Howard	1	40.5
Mike G	1	40.5

Don't forget it's never too late to join in with the series. It would certainly be good to see some more members taking part.

Cooked to perfection at the Bread Basket, Stonehouse

At Tuesday evening's committee meeting, the following dates and destinations were agreed for the Saturday club rides:

30th April -Toomers Garden Centre, Lydiard Millicent
7th May - National Trust Tearoom, Lacock
14th May - Sweetapples Teashop, Marshfield
21st May - Wickwar Coffee Shop
28th May - Jolly Nice Cafe, Frampton Mansell
4th June - Quackers Farm Shop, Hinton
11th June - The Bread Basket, Stonehouse

I think you'll agree that there's an interesting mix of venues. We tend not to visit places like Toomers Garden Centre and Sweetapples Teashop during the winter, as they have limited seating indoors. With the warmer weather, we can once again go al fresco.

The 11th June will see us open up a new frontier when we make our first visit to Stonehouse. This will offer something completely different, with a course which employs a cycle path along a disused railway track, possibly a canal towpath too, and a picnic style dining experience. The Bread Basket has a fantastic selection of sweet and savoury offerings, all at very reasonable prices.This one promises to be a lot of fun.

Courses for all of the rides will be posted nearer the time.

At the AGM, 10 members indicated that they would be prepared to act as Ride Leaders on club rides.

A great opportunity has arisen for members to attend a free one-day Ride Leaders workshop organised by Cycling UK (formerly CTC). 

What you will get from the day:

• Ride Leader workshop pack and essential documentation

• A day of interactive workshop activities

• Lunch and refreshments

• Cycling UK Ride Leader workshop certificate

• A Cycling UK goody bag

Our nearest venue is Bristol. The training there will take place on Saturday 4th June 2016, from 9.30am until 3.00pm. Places are limited and so you'll need to act fast.

Howard, Tim H and Mike G have already registered.

You can find out more information and register by following the link here.

And finally, a last reminder that on Sunday 1st May 2016, we'll be joining Gloucester City Cycling Club, as they stage a re-run of their very first ride from Gloucester to Dursley, as part of their 125th anniversary celebrations. Leading the ride will be members of the Vintage Cycle Club on vintage cycles, such as Penny Farthings. There will also be some cyclists coming out from Dursley to meet the ride on Dursley Pedersens.

So far, we have just 3 riders (Mike, Peter C and me) to represent MCCC. We'll be leaving Malmesbury at 6.30am to ride to the start at Gloucester. Please let me know if you can join us. Alternatively, we'd be very pleased to meet up with other Clarions at the Bank Cafe, Dursley where the ride ends and refreshments will be served.

Weekly Roundup

Wednesday was a lovely evening for a ride. Stalwarts Peter C, Phil and James were pleased to be joined by Colin. Howard and Tim H accompanied them as far as Foxley.

Riding through Badminton, eagle-eyed Phil spotted Malc in the middle of quite a large group of cyclists. As to whether there was a pub stop planned, I couldn't possibly comment!

Snow at Snowshill on Saturday

On Saturday, I was one of 50 Audax riders who set off at 6.00am from Cirencester, to ride the Heart of England 300km. On high ground over the Cotswolds, it began to snow, and by the time I'd reached Snowshill, there was a good 2 to 3 inches covering the road. This made cycling treacherous, particularly on the descents.

More snow at Broadway Tower

I started to see a trickle of riders heading back to Cirencester, who had clearly abandoned. With frozen hands, and experiencing extreme difficulty in trying to operate the controls, I sought sanctuary in Broadway.

Although it was still early, I was very grateful to find the Broadway Deli open for business. Other riders were already holed-up inside the cafe, and it wasn't long before we were joined by some more. As we started to thaw out, the puddles of water began to run through the wooden floorboards and drip on the diners below. Staff had to hurriedly dry the floor with towels.

Two riders cuddled up against the radiator managed to find a taxi company with a suitable vehicle to take them and their bikes back to Cirencester. Others made arrangements for their wives to rescue them. I thought I'd chance my arm. My text to my wife explained my perilous predicament, but I said I'd try and get home, somehow. Her four word response wasn't quite what I was hoping for. 'Okay, see you later.' 

After two pots of tea and a portion of beans on toast, the snow stopped and the sun made an appearance. Too late to continue, I joined the other 31 who had thrown in the towel, and headed south. Somewhere along the journey, and not wishing to waste the day, the idea of visiting the Berkeley Tearooms came into my head, and so I set a course for there.  

Although there was a cold edge, it was sunny for most of the afternoon and early evening, and I eventually returned home around 9.00pm.

What's the serious face all about, try smiling

I should have warned people of a nervous disposition to look away first, but the reason for the photograph, is as a reminder that if you take part in an Audax or Sportive event, and you wear your club colours, points are up for grabs if you have a photograph as proof. The member with the most points will win a trophy.

I'm going to create a gallery on the website where the pictures can be stored.

Ruskin Mill, Nailsworth

I understand that the club run to Nailsworth on Saturday enjoyed much better weather in the morning. It was a pleasure to welcome Ian Else on his first outing with the club. Hopefully, we'll be seeing a lot more of Ian over the coming weeks. Another first, was the club's visit to the Ruskin Mill Cafe. 

The Social Group consisted of Mike, Atherton, Dave and Ian, whilst the Sporting Group was made up of Tim H, Peter B, Peter C, Colin, Karine, Lyndon, Des and Steve M.

All of the above were joined at the cafe by Howard and Simon S.

The Folly Row Cafe, Kington St Michael

With the Sunday Series ride the following day, next Saturday we make our second ever outing to the Folly Row Cafe, in the High Street, Kington St Michael.

For the Sporting Group there's a leg-saving 39 mile course.

And for the Social Group, a 29.4 mile course.

Keep a look out for the Alton Barnes White Horse

As for the next ride in the 2016 Sunday Series, on Sunday 24th April 2016, we'll be leaving from outside of the Town Hall at 8.30am.

The course is a different one than previously advertised. The reason for this is that some of the ascents and descents we intended to ride, are best tackled when the lanes are dry and free from debris. We'll review the situation again at the end of May.

Instead, we're scaling Clyffe Pypard and Hackpen Hill, riding across the scenic Marlborough Downs, through Marlborough and on to the Honeystreet Cafe (31 miles) situated on the bank of the majestic Kennet and Avon Canal, where we'll stop for coffee and mid-morning snacks.

Suitably refreshed, and having watched a narrow boat or two gliding effortlessly through the water, we then embark on a mini-tour of Devizes villages, including: Chirton, Urchfont, Market Lavington, Worton and Poulshot. There's then the option of a second break at the Caen Hill Locks Cafe (50 miles) or a slight detour at Lacock (59 miles) to the National Trust Tearoom. 

An ascent of Bowden Hill will return us to more familiar lanes and allow us to complete the 76.5 mile course, which you can view here. However, please don't download it just yet, as some last minute checking is needed first. I'll send out an email with a link to the course Wednesday evening or Thursday morning.

As always, you can take as little or as much time as you need. There are three challenging hills, but the overall elevation is only 3,453 feet. With favourable conditions, sporting riders can expect to be back around 2.30pm.

A Dursley Pedersen

A reminder that Gloucester City Cycling Club, has very kindly extended an invitation to our members, to join them in celebrating their 125th anniversary. 

Leaving Kings Square at 9.00am on Sunday 1st May 2016, the club's very first ride from Gloucester to Dursley will be re-enacted. As well as contingents from various local cycling clubs, the cavalcade will be led by members of the Vintage Cycle Club, on vintage cycles such as Ordinaries (Penny Farthings). There will also be some cyclists on Dursley Pedersens coming out from Dursley to meet the ride.

Refreshments will be served at the Bank Cafe, Dursley, which we're also welcome to attend.

From the range of options posted last week, the unanimous choice of those who responded, was to cycle from Malmesbury to the start in Gloucester. You can view and download the complete 62.5 mile course here. 

This will mean leaving from outside of the Town Hall at 6.30am, which should give us time for a quick coffee and a slice of toast at Gloucester before the fun begins.

If you'd like to watch the spectacle, but don't fancy the ride to Gloucester, let me know and we'll look out for you when we get to Dursley.

Weekly Roundup

Wednesday evening's Knight Rider session attracted six riders. They were James, Peter C, Phil and me (Tim W) from the Clarions, George from Performance Cycles and Mark from Sherston Velo. 

Despite the weather forecast predicting a mixture of light and heavy rain showers throughout the early part of the evening, we didn't see a single drop. 

Riding the Badminton loop we had a very lively headwind on the outward leg to contend with, and then the benefit of the wind on our backs to help bring us back to Malmesbury.

Hopefully a few more Clarions can be persuaded to join us over the coming weeks. 

Saturday's jaunt to the Organic Farm Cafe, near Cirencester saw 10 riders make the trip. Howard, accompanied by Atherton and Steve C, made up the Social Group. We were not only pleased to welcome back Lyndon for his second ride with us, we were also grateful that this time we were able to field more riders than on his previous visit. Lyndon joined the Sporting Group which consisted of Andy Parker, Colin, Des D, Karine, Steve M and me (Tim W).

The sun was shining when we left Malmesbury. It remained fine for most of the journey to the cafe, but the sky gradually darkened, and just when we thought we might arrive in the dry, we were caught in a hailstone shower.

The idea of some toast appealed to me. Des must have been on the same wavelength, but we were both left disappointed, when informed that toast wasn't available after 11.00am.

My thick wedge of coffee and walnut cake sadly didn't live up to expectation. The icing through the middle and on the top was no more than a thin film, and the sponge was a rather dry affair.

Unfortunately a navigational error meant that we were denied the Social Group's company. Instead they stopped at Relish.

With nothing to suggest that the rain outside was going to stop any time soon, we left the warmth and comfort of the log burning stove, donned our rain jackets and headed for home.

Sunday afternoon Mike and me rode to Castle Combe for the annual Cyclists' Service. This event has taken place every year since 1945. It is a celebration of cycling and a service of thanksgiving for the men in cycling battalions who fell in the Great War, and for the many cyclist servicemen who did not return from World War 2.

Neither of us are religious, but that doesn't matter. The important thing is that we continue to remember those who for our tomorrow gave their today.

At the end of the service, before we rose from our pews, the organiser made a head count recording numbers from the various clubs present. Bristol CTC easily made up the biggest contingent, with Stroud Valleys CTC and Bath CTC taking second and third places. He then asked if there were any other clubs represented. Grasping the nettle, and much to Mike's embarrassment, I stood up, pointed to the writing emblazoned across my club gilet and called out 'Malmesbury Clarions.' To the sound of cheering, I sat back down, unable to remember the last time, if ever there was one, that anyone cheered something I'd said.

Tea and homemade cakes were then served inside the church. One man approached us and asked if it would be possible for a friend of his who lives in Malmesbury to ride with the club. We took our refreshments outside, where a number of Stroud Valleys CTC riders were keen to learn about the history of the Clarions.

Before we left the organiser thanked us for attending and I said that next year we'd hopefully return with a few more members.

Alastair Goldie from Gloucester City Cycling Club, founded in 1891, has very kindly extended an invitation to our members, to join them in celebrating their 125th anniversary. This is indeed an honour, and one which, hopefully we'll take full advantage of.

Leaving Kings Square at 9.00am on Sunday 1st May 2016, the club's very first ride from Gloucester to Dursley will be re-enacted. As well as contingents from various local cycling clubs, the cavalcade will be led by members of the Vintage Cycle Club, on vintage cycles such as Ordinaries (Penny Farthings). There will also be some cyclists on Dursley Pedersens coming out from Dursley to meet the ride.

Refreshments will be served at the Bank Cafe, Dursley, which we're also welcome to attend. 

You can view and download the route from Gloucester here.

Suggested options:

• Cycle from Malmesbury to the start in Gloucester 
• Intercept the cavalcade en route to Dursley
• Ride directly to Dursley to see their arrival
• Ride out from Dursley with the Pedersens

If participating or attending appeals to you, please let me know as soon as possible, so that plans can be made. We already have a firm commitment from two members.

If you do decide to come, please consider wearing your MCCC jersey, if you have one, to help raise the club's profile.

There's an interesting evening of live theatre at The Pound, Corsham on Saturday 14th May 2016, with curtain-up at 8.00pm.

Ventoux is the story of Lance Armstrong and Marco Pantani on the fearsome Mont Ventoux in the 2000 Tour de France. Their rivalry is re-staged by 2Magpies Theatre using breathtaking video accompaniment and a pair of road bikes, asking the question - how far will we go to succeed? 

Standard tickets are £11 and concessions £10.

You can follow the link here to book tickets.

Weekly Roundup

Firstly, a reminder that the Cyclists Church Service will be at 2.30pm on Sunday 10th April 2016, at St Andrews Church in the Market Place, Castle Combe.

This event has taken place every year since 27th May 1945. It is a celebration of cycling and a service of thanksgiving for the men in cycling battalions who fell in the Great War and for the many cyclist soldiers, commandos and paratroopers who did not return from World War 2.

The Castle Combe church service, like the services held in May on the village green at Meridian, the centre of England, and at Coxwold, a few miles north of York, is now a memorial service and an informal, ecumenical gathering especially for today's cyclists in the West Country.

The service will be followed by tea and cake served in the church.

Mike and me are riding over, but it would be good if some more members were able to pay their respects to those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

The Research Team, in the guise of Mike and me, headed south on Wednesday. Our intended destination was the garden centre at Woodborough; somewhere we've been once before. On our way there, quite by accident, we came across the Honeystreet Cafe on the bank of the Kennet & Avon Canal, and what a gem it was. The rhubarb and plum bakewell slices were an absolute triumph!

The cafe could well feature in this year's Sunday Series. I don't think you'll be disappointed if it does.

Also on Wednesday, the evening Knight Riders' (we might as well stick with the name) first daylight session, got off to a flying start.

The magnificent seven who set off from the Town Hall were Peter C, Phil and Steve K from the Clarions, Graham Simpson, Pete Clegg and Mark Walsh from the Sherston Velo, and last, but by no means least, Gary Walker, who is about to open a new cycle repair business in town. Expect to hear more about this over the coming weeks.

The weather was on good form too. The dry, sunny weather meant that it was still light until after 8.00pm.

I understand from Peter that Pete Clegg was wearing a short sleeved jersey and shorts! They've either been experiencing some better weather at Sherston or they're a much hardier breed. 

You can see the route here.

At long last, we were treated to some Saturday sunshine. It was probably no coincidence that we had a very healthy turnout of riders. The Sporting Group consisted of Andy Poolman, Colin, Des D, Malc, Peter C, Phil, Steve K, and riding with us, I believe for the first time, Shelly from the Sherston Velo, whom we were delighted to have along.

Meanwhile, the Social Group was made up by Atherton, Dave, Steve C and me (Tim W).

Dave's sleek body lines, his aerodynamic positioning in the saddle and well measured pedal strokes, are among the tell-tale signs of a man who knows what it is to give your all once the stopwatch has started ticking. 

It's not every day that you get an opportunity to ride with someone who has a collection of CTC medals, and who competitively, as part of a three-up, during a 100 mile TT, finished in under four hours. When we chatted about this again on the way to Allington, Dave modestly added that they were on flat roads around Oxfordshire at the time, but even so, maintaining an average of over 25mph for 100 miles is some achievement.

The Sporting Group rode a longer course to the Allington Farm Shop and just managed to pip us at the post. As our orderly queue snaked its way through the cafe, the smell of smoked bacon and mushrooms wafted up from the tables. 

Rearranging the furniture allowed all of us to sit inside together. I'm not sure if I chose my bakewell slice based on the generous size of the portions or because it was something I really wanted. Either way, I was intrigued by Dave's vegetarian cooked breakfast. A toasted bun of some description, each half topped with a single large mushroom, inside of which, were perfectly cooked poached eggs. Oh, and some wilted spinach strategically placed for good measure. (I might well try this on my next visit)

Refreshments taken care of, Des D transferred to the Social Group, leaving the rest of the Sporting Group to head over to Lacock for an assault on Bowden Hill.

Don't forget, that with the exception of the Sunday Series Trophy, point scoring for all of the other club activities, started on Friday 1st April 2016.

If you missed the original blog post concerning the various trophies being contested, they are explained here.

The Grimpeur Challenge will be awarded to the rider who gains the highest accumulated elevation between 1st April and 30th November 2016.

As hopefully Karine will confirm, if asked, a grimpeur in French, is a climber, the feminine of which, is a grimpeuse.

Mike has compiled a table showing in metric the elevation gained by each member of the club who records their rides on Strava, up to and including 31st March 2016. This figure will form the base line. Only elevation above this total will count. Next year, when all competitions can start on 1st January, it'll make things less complicated.

Simon S              39,212 metres
Tim W                 33,536 
Peter C                18,912 
Howard               16,139
Steve K               15,738
Mike G                14,074
Phil                      9,865
Steve M                7,755
Tim H                    6,677
Malcolm                5,214
Andy Poolman       5,149
Ted                      4,375

Simon L                1,353

Karine                  1,179

Paul                        502 
Heather                   264

Force GB, the makers of the MCCC kit, now offer a range of leisurewear in club colours, complete with the National Clarion logo and our name. With warmer weather just around the corner, the smart T shirt and polo top, make the ideal apparel for those off-piste periods of relaxation. And when the sun goes in, you can take off the chill by wearing the hooded sweatshirt.